By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
RESIDENTIAL ratepayers face a 4.5 per cent rate increase as well as increases across the board for community services in City of Greater Geelong’s 2015/2016 budget.
The budget increased almost all user charges, including a 10 cent rise in street parking fees to $2.60 an hour.
Council car park annual fees at Haymarket, Busport and Civic Centre also went up between $32.50 and $45.60, with the top annual fee now costing $2189.
Fees for waste disposal at Drysdale and North Geelong transfer stations increased between 50 cents and $1.50, with pet registration fees also up.
The City’s weekly rates for child care will increase six per cent, while Meals on Wheels charges will rise 30 cents.
The budget predicted future rate increases would be at CPI plus one per cent athough State Government has promised to cap council rates next year.
“Depending on the level at which rates are capped council will need to undertake a review of services provided to the community with the aim of reducing the level of rate payer subsidy for services undertaken by local government on behalf of state and federal government,” the budget noted.
Mayor Darryn Lyons said the budget invested heavily in the financing of new infrastructure.
“This is a balanced budget that delivers on major priorities while maintaining service levels in all key areas of council’s operations.”
Cr Lyons said council had focused strongly on stimulating economic growth.
“It’s about jobs, jobs, jobs. And there’s an emphasis on making central Geelong vibrant again.”
